Real superheroes ride horses

Jan. 24, 2013

Updated Aug. 21, 2013 1:17 p.m.

1 of 9

Raising his hands, Cade Spinello, 7, performs an exercise that helps him strengthen his core and improve his balance. This type of therapeutic riding also helps improve motor coordination. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 9

Cade Spinello,7, sits with his friend, Max Wilford, during one of their training sessions at the Shea Center. Cade and Max have become friends after they met during chemotherapy. They have been friends for a little over a year. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 9

Cade Spinello stands on his horse, Kenny, while holding a toy sword on his left hand. The exercises are tailored to the client's interests. This keeps them motivated and thinking this is a fun activity, as opposed to therapy. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 9

While sharing the same horse, Cade Spinello and Max Wilford stare at a mirror that has been placed in one of the structures so riders can see themselves as they ride. Aside from strengthening their muscles, the fact that they ride together makes the activities more fun and engaging for them. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 9

During his session, Cade was allowed to take control of his horse, Kenny, and steer him. With his instructor Amberly Kushell by his side, she made sure that Cade was safe during the activity. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 9

Cade described how different it felt to steer the horses by himself. Cade's mother explains how "every single person has so much passion, they look at Cade not for what he can't do but what he can do." Cade has developed and made progress after his stroke, thanks to the Shea Center, she said. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 9

Once finished with his activities, Cade and Amberly find an apple to feed Kenny the horse. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 9

Cowboy Cade talks to his father, Michael after his session. Michael, a fan of superheroes, would tell Cade that his medicine was his "superhero juice" and that the tumor was "kryptonite." Currently, Cade's favorite superhero is Superman. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

1 of 9

Cade Spinello hugs his instructor, Amberly Kushell before he concludes his session at the Shea Center on Jan. 19. Cade's family said they have grown close with the Shea Center staff. Cade's youngest sister Lucy even took her first steps at the Center. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Raising his hands, Cade Spinello, 7, performs an exercise that helps him strengthen his core and improve his balance. This type of therapeutic riding also helps improve motor coordination. ISAAC ARJONILLA, ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

For Michael Spinello, Superman does not wear a red cape nor is he a reporter for the Daily Bugle. Rather he is an optimistic and indomitable 7-year-old boy named Cade.

When he was 4-years-old, Cade Spinello was diagnosed with a brain tumor the size of an egg that was sitting on his optic nerve.

Following the diagnosis, Cade Spinello underwent two surgeries. The first removed around 30 percent of the tumor, while the second surgery removed 90 percent. After the second surgery Cade Spinello suffered a massive stroke that left his right side paralyzed.

With the support of his parents and help from different types of therapies, Cade Spinello has made progress in his recovery.

Cade Spinello's father found ways to disguise the daily struggles to help make journey to recovery easier for his son. The tumor became "kryptonite," his medicine "superhero juice" and the hospital "superhero school."

At San Juan Capistrano's Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding, Cade Spinello engages in therapy sessions that involve him riding horses.

"This is his favorite thing. He's doing something new. It's a whole new skill, all together. No one else in our family rides horses so he's the superstar," Cade's mother, Erin Spinello said. "Every single person has so much passion, they look at Cade not for what he can't do but what he can do."

User Agreement

Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgarity, racial
slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about
tragedies will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to
allow Orange County Register Communications, Inc. the right to
republish your name and comment in additional Register publications
without any notification or payment.